Becoming an AI builder in 2025: Part 1

We need more AI builders. It's easy to consume, use, admire and talk about it, but 2025 is the time to start unlocking AI's full potential. Don't be afraid of it.

But if you are not a Software Engineer, what are AI builders, and how can you become one?

The world of AI product management is evolving insanely quick, presenting opportunities for individuals across diverse backgrounds to become AI builders—professionals who conceptualize, create, and manage AI-powered solutions. But what exactly does this entail, and how can you carve out a path in this exciting field? To answer these questions, let's dive deeper into the evolution of AI builders and explore actionable steps you can take to join their ranks.

A brief history of the AI Product role, as I’ve experienced it

To understand where AI builders are heading, it helps to trace the trajectory of AI product roles over the past decade:

2013–2020: The Niche Era

When I joined Google during this period, AI Product Management was considered an obscure niche. We weren’t really a thing yet. I don’t think my title was even AI Product Manager at the time as research simply did not have AI Product Managers. Many assumed it was relevant only to those with a PhD in machine learning (ML), like I had however, the reality was different. AI Product Management was already influencing product decisions, and technical depth, while helpful, was not always necessary. This era kind of laid the groundwork for what would follow.

2020–2022ish: The Budding Interest

Interest in AI roles grew significantly as AI applications like recommendation engines, chatbots, and computer vision systems became more commonplace. However, many were still unsure about the skills required or the potential career paths in AI. To bridge this gap, I started creating educational programs to demystify the domain and help people explore AI product management roles.

2022–2024: The Mainstreaming of AI Product Management

By 2022ish, AI Product Management had entered the mainstream. Companies like Pinterest began hiring entire AI PM organizations, reflecting a growing demand for structured roles. I remember the sudden job postings, Director of AI PM, Group PM, AI, Associate AI PM and so on. Employers recognized the strategic importance of AI and sought individuals who could integrate AI into their product vision effectively.

2024–2025+: The Sweet Spot

Well, nowadays - AI has matured. People are not just adopting AI out of curiosity but are genuinely excited and inspired by its potential and users have an expectation for AI solutions and experiences. AI is no longer experimental; it needs to be woven into user experiences across industries or else companies will face extinction.. This is the era of strategic AI builders—professionals who can envision and execute AI-driven solutions to meet real-world needs. Now is the time to learn!

1. 2025 is the year to give yourself time to explore.

So where do you start?

1. Invest in Learning: Enroll in courses, join bootcamps, or explore certifications tailored to your desired role. Do they matter? Yes, well, they do not _not_ matter, if that makes sense.

2. Network Strategically: Connect with AI folks on LinkedIn, join communities like

   Lenny Rachitsky
   ‘s slack community (I often host meetups in menlo park for it!) and attend AI-focused conferences.

3. Build a Portfolio: Create or contribute to projects showcasing your ability to conceptualize and execute AI-powered solutions. DevPost is an outstanding place to start - free hackathons, where you get matched with other people based on your interests and skillset and you get to build something together within 8-24h.

4. Keep Up with Trends: Stay informed about the latest advancements and tools in AI.

   2025 is the year to give yourself time to explore.

Join My AI Product Bootcamp: If you're ready to take the leap, my AI Product bootcamp is designed to provide the education, resources, and connections you need to thrive in this space. We have 250 people signed up for January that will get certified. If you’re not ready let’s still connect on LinkedIn, happy to answer any questions.